MORE than 600 visitors attended the FANUC UK open house event in Coventry recently as the industrial automation community addressed manufacturing challenges.
Comprising speaker presentations, case studies, panel discussions, hands-on training, robotics demonstrations, and an exhibition of more than 40 companies, the event showcased how automation can help combat labour shortages and raise productivity levels.
In his opening address, FANUC UK’s MD, Tom Bouchier, discussed the UK’s standing among other leading manufacturing countries. “The UK is the ninth largest manufacturing nation, with a world class manufacturing industry and a world class workforce,” he said. “But when it comes to robot density, we are the only G7 country that sits below the global average.
“A German worker is around 30% more productive an hour than we are, because of their increased use of automation. Let’s keep the UK at the forefront of the manufacturing revolution and raise our productivity by increasing the uptake of automation.”
Panellists and audience members participated in a debate about the best ways to inspire the next generation of engineers, with attendees agreeing that a joined-up approach between academic institutions, associations, and industry leaders is required to showcase the reality of manufacturing to young people today. Jacek Urbanowicz, FANUC’s European IoT product manager, stated, “It’s essential to promote to young people the new roles in engineering and manufacturing that are related to technology and digital skills, as the next generation want to work smarter, not harder.”
Every exhibiting company was invited to make a donation, which FANUC has used to fund four young people through an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship.
Another hot topic was sustainability. Injection moulding specialist Bloom-in-Box gave a presentation on their bid to become net zero, demonstrating how its ROBOSHOT machine is powered by solar energy.
Meanwhile, in his speech on Meeting the Challenges of Modern Manufacturing, as well as during the panel discussion on sustainability, Phil Hadfield, UK MD of Rockwell Automation, revealed that sustainability is now one of, if not the, top concern of manufacturers. He explained, “It’s ethically right, it helps to reduce costs and it’s demanded by consumers. Being sustainable is now a real business imperative.”
Other topics included the power of partnerships, the outlook of UK manufacturing, incorporating IIOT into your company plans, and points to consider when purchasing a cobot.
The final day was given over to education, and saw over 120 aspiring young engineers join industry experts to hear presentations on machine safety, WorldSkills UK and opportunities for apprentices.
The open house hosted demonstrations of the latest robotics innovations from FANUC as well as an exhibition showcasing industrial automation solutions from its network of partners. Companies such as Mazak, Loop Technology, Filtermist and Bauromat demonstrated possibilities across sectors such as automotive, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and aerospace.
David Dearden, MD – UK & Ireland for machinery safety experts Euchner, said, “We enjoyed some great conversations with companies from across the manufacturing supply chain, discussing some of their key areas of concern, including safety. Many of these connections would not have been made had we not attended this event, proving how important FANUC’s open house is in uniting the wider industrial automation community.”
Phil Hadfield, UK MD of Rockwell Automation, added, “This was another fantastic open house event from FANUC, bringing together the entire automation ecosystem and providing a platform for us to talk openly about the key issues affecting everyone. There was a common thread running through the presentations – namely, sustainability – and it’s clear that after Brexit, Covid and the supply chain issues, this is the next big pinch point for manufacturers.”
